Biting Cold Blast, Auditor Scrutiny, and Weekend Fun in Asheville

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Sunday, December 14, 2025. If you are heading out early, bundle up. Arctic air is pushing into western North Carolina today into tomorrow, bringing the coldest air of the season and prompting Weather Warn Days for the mountains, so expect a sharp temperature drop and a brisk wind if you are out after dark. On the news front, state leaders are still scrutinizing recovery from Helene. North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek is criticizing the lack of a standardized statewide disaster response process, saying taxpayers need a clearer picture of how recovery dollars are tracked and spent. He says a detailed report on Helene recovery is due in the coming weeks, something many families in Buncombe and surrounding counties will be watching closely as they rebuild and push for more resilient infrastructure. In local business and jobs, Pratt and Whitney is moving forward with a major expansion of its Asheville plant, a roughly 285 million dollar project that is expected to add more high paying manufacturing positions and strengthen the region’s role in the aerospace supply chain. That growth brings new opportunities, but also fresh questions about housing, traffic, and workforce training as Asheville continues to balance economic development with quality of life. If you are looking for things to do today, Asheville is leaning hard into art, lights, and live music. Down in the River Arts District, Jaime Byrd’s “Large Contemporary Art Oil Paintings” show runs from 11 to 4 at her gallery on Depot Street, offering immersive, color drenched work that blends traditional painting with short film elements and interactive tech. It is a good stop for locals entertaining holiday guests or anyone wanting a calmer, creative afternoon. As the sun goes down, Lake Julian Park lights up. The Lake Julian Festival of Lights continues this evening from 6 to 8:30, with the drive through light show wrapping around the lake. It is a family favorite and a cozy way to enjoy the cold snap from the warmth of your car. Over in West Asheville, Lamplight AVL on Vermont Avenue hosts “Rage Bait” from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring artwork by Julianna Chioma alongside music by Designer, Nina Gi, and a DJ set with Boys Camp, blending gallery vibes with an intimate show. And for music fans, Third Room is hosting a free Billy Strings watch party tonight, streaming his live show from Austin. Doors open this evening, and it is a chance to gather with fellow bluegrass lovers without leaving town. Sports fans may want to keep an eye on UNC Asheville women’s basketball, as the Bulldogs hit the road to face East Carolina in a late afternoon matchup, and college hoops action continues across the state with marquee games that will keep bracket watchers busy. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.